The Best Smart Home Upgrades to Increase your Property Value
- Peter Gregorian
- Sep 16, 2024
- 6 min read
Complete home automation might be the future, but with these Smart Home technologies, you can live comfortably today and boost your home's value.
In today's home, there are many areas where smart home technology is becoming increasingly important for homeowners.
Implementing the following technologies can not only make your home more comfortable and efficient but also boost its value in the eyes of homebuyers when you are ready to sell. Here's a look at ten of the best smart home improvements you can make.
1. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are one of my favourite gifts to give clients as it's the gift that keeps on giving. When properly setup, they are a cost-effective smart home upgrade that learns your room temperature preferences and adjusts them automatically by time of day or the parameters you set. Through smart learning, these thermostats can save upwards of 15% or more on your energy bills. Brands like Nest and Ecobee are well-known in this category and can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps.
Fun Fact: When paired with peripheries such as door and window sensors or independant room temperature monitors, smart thermostats can generate even more savings by recognizing events that will trigger the HVAC system to turn on and, in turn, delay the start of these systems.
2. Smart Security Systems
A comprehensive smart security system can be a major selling point for potential buyers. Tech such as smart doorbells with video capabilities, outdoor security cameras, and smart alarm systems can all add value to a homeowner by creating peace of mind with the ability to receive live updates and monitor their home - even when traveling far from home.
Smart Tip: While you might be inclined to purchase the best deals out there from different brands, for ease of monitoring through one application, aim to stick with one brand and ecosystem for all of your security devices, whether that is Blink, Wyze, Google Nest, or Ring.
3. Smart Lighting
Imagine coming home and having all the lights turn on before you walk through the door. Smart lighting systems allow for remote control, scheduling, and even color changing capabilities that can enhance the ambiance of your home and also improve energy efficiency. Popular options include Philips Hue and LIFX bulbs, which can be controlled via smartphone and linked to voice-assistant systems allowing for routines to be setup. Smart lighting comes in many forms - from bulbs to strip lighting - making it easy to craft a particular atmosphere in any space at any time of day.
4. Smart Locks
Smart locks offer keyless entry to your home, which can be a huge convenience. They can be programmed to allow access to specific individuals at certain times, making them ideal for homeowners who frequently have guests or service providers visiting. Brands like August and Schlage offer reliable smart lock options with some models even coming packed with WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities allowing for the remote changing of pins and settings. On higher end devices, push notifications and status monitoring is also available providing an element of additional control and peace of mind.
If you operate a Short Term Rental or manage a number of properties, having smart locks makes tenant management and access management a breeze.
5. Smart Appliances
From refrigerators that can create shopping lists, ovens that can be preheated remotely or washer-dryers that can start or stop cycles remotely, smart appliances are revolutionizing home management. While they can be pricier upfront, they often lead to long-term savings and can be a major draw for tech-savvy buyers. Not only can they share usage patterns and energy reports, but they also increase the efficiency of day-to-day chores. If shopping for smart appliances, LG Thin Q or Samsung Smart Things appliances are some of the top brands to consider for their capability and connectivity.
6. Voice-Controlled Home Assistants
Consider devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home as your hub for controlling your smart home. These devices, from smart speakers to smart displays, take voice commands and/or touch inputs to control all smart devices paired with them. Along with being able to control other smart devices, they can answer questions, play music, and even make calls. Installing a whole-home system can significantly increase your property's appeal.
Smart Tip: For a truly integrated experience, a more advanced smart home system uses an Internet of Things (IoT) hub like the Zigbee which adds further sensor control and monitoring. These systems can introduce seamless integration of everything smart in your home like door, window, motion and water leak sensors along with alarm systems. They are often more costly, but can create a fully immersive and interactive experience for all smart devices.
To offer a brief example, imagine pulling up to your driveway and the garage door automatically opens. As you exit your vehicle and approach the front door, your smart lock opens. Once inside and without the touch of a button, the lights turn on, ambient music starts playing in the living room and your oven starts preheating. This is the power of a fully integrated IoT smart home system.
7. Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These devices offer an extra layer of safety by sending alerts to your phone if they detect smoke or carbon monoxide, even when you're away from home. Similar to standard smoke alarms and detectors, these should be tested regularly and also replaced based on the manufacturer's recommended period of time. A popular option in this category is the Nest Protect. While they may not contribute directly to the extrinsic value of a home, these devices provide additional peace of mind to homeowners.
8. Smart Irrigation Systems
For homes with large yards, a smart irrigation system can be a valuable addition. Instead of having to water the grass when you remember, these systems can automatically adjust watering schedules based on weather forecasts, soil moisture levels, and plant types, leading to water conservation and healthier landscapes contributing to nicer curb appeal and an elevated value when it comes time to list your home.
9. Smart Plugs
The most cost-effective way to introduce automation into your home is with smart plugs. These devices are available in virtually any store that carries home goods and can be as cheap as less than $10 like this IKEA Tretakt smart plug. With the capability to make most devices "smart", once connected to WiFi, you can turn on/off lamps, appliances, or electronics from anywhere with your phone or voice. Similar to other devices in this list, they can also be programmed to operate on schedules and can help you monitor usage, helping to save energy. Popular brands include TP-Link Kasa, Belkin WeMo, and Lutron Caseta. Opting for hardwired plugs is a greater value add for the property.
10. Smart Switches
Similar to smart plugs, smart switches can be used to replace run-of-the-mill light switches. Once installed and paired to wifi, they can be used to control any light fixtures within a home. They are available in multiple configurations, from simple one click switches or dimmer switches, to others that include motion sensors, light sensors or humidity sensors. Given that these are hardwired, even when the WiFi is down, normal functionality will remain.
Smart Tip:
A final note on the operability of these systems. Most of these devices require WiFi for their remote and scheduling capabilities to work correctly. In the chance that the network goes down, most functionality will become limited. There are some hubs such as the Hubitat Elevation Hub, which process commands locally, allowing you to control your devices even if your Wi-Fi goes down. Additionally, devices that use protocols like Z-Wave or Zigbee can communicate directly with each other through a hub, enabling basic automation and control without needing an internet connection.
In conclusion, incorporating smart home technology can significantly increase your property's value while also improving your quality of life. When choosing smart home upgrades, consider compatibility with other devices, ease of use, and long-term benefits. When homebuyer's consider the choice between homes equipped with these smart features and those without, the former typically command higher prices.
If you are thinking of automating your home, get in touch with us today to find the right smart home solutions that fit your needs!
